Winter has come and gone and spring is upon us once again. And when spring is here in Toronto, you know what that means – Spring cleaning!
It’s that time of the year again, folks. Homeowners are once again scouring their homes, carefully inspecting the house, and searching for things that they can throw away, replace, or are dire need of an upgrade.
But as we scramble to do a lot of cleaning, there’s one thing that we always seem to overlook: our windows.
Did you know that our windows need to be cleaned at least twice a year? And there’s no more perfect time to clean them than spring.
So today, we’ll teach you how to prepare your windows for spring time. Of course, you can choose to follow this guide or get professional window cleaning in Toronto.
Why Do I Need to Prep My Windows for Spring?
After a long winter, we’re all finally glad that warmth of the sun is just around the corner. The birds are starting to chirp, the flowers are starting to bloom, and best of all, the snow is about to melt.
All that snow melting just serves as a reminder of the brutal winters we all just experienced. But while we were all nestled in warmth inside the comforts of our homes, our windows were there to suffer the brunt of winter snow.
When subjected to extreme coldness, your window material could warp. Wooden windows, for example, start to warp when subjected to extreme temperatures, which could affect its integrity. Extremely cold weathers can affect the glass as well. Cracks can appear on the window glass, which may spread across the entire glass.
Additionally, there may have been ice buildup in and around your windows. Ice buildup may occur around the frames or even sit inside the hinges or any other hardware, causing damage from inside. The ice may cause the caulking or sealant to crack and break off. Meanwhile, melting snow creates moisture deposits that is absorbed by the window frames and cause rot.
Although scenery may look like a winter wonderland during the early days of winter, it can soon turn into a nightmare for your windows if you don’t take care of them. Spring is one of the best times to start.
Materials You’ll Need
- Squeegee and microfibre cloth – you’ll be needing these to do most of the cleaning.
- Cleaning solution – something mild; you can also use 1 part vinegar mixed with 1 part water.
- Scraper – you may need to remove sticky particles.
- Soft and fine-bristled brushes and rags – used to clear dust that stick to your windows and screens.
- Extra-long rod – attach your squeegee and/or cloth to the end to reach high places; you can use a ladder instead if that’s what you prefer.
- Rubber gloves – you’ll be needing them to keep your hands free from irritation from the dust and cleaning solution, not to mention to keep a firm grip on the other materials.
Simple Steps for Prepping Your Windows
After gathering all the materials, it’s time to start window cleaning. Here are a few simple steps that you can follow to make sure your windows are ready for the abounding warmth brought by the coming spring season.
Perform a Thorough Inspection
Toronto winters aren’t known for being too brutal, but they still can do a number on your windows. Before you start putting on your gloves and start cleaning, you must first do a thorough inspection to check the state of your windows. Inspect the exterior for ice buildup and if any has seeped inside. Check for breakage, damage, and for any parts that need replacing. Assess the areas that need to be thoroughly cleaned so you can prepare the appropriate tools/materials to do the cleaning.
Clean Your Windows
Once you’ve assessed the damage, you can now begin cleaning your windows. The best thing to do is take a step-by-step approach for a more thorough clean and avoid leaving any stains and residue on the glass.
Brush off any dust from your window’s interiors. Dust buildup can form on the bottom, top, and sides of your windows. Make sure you use a feather duster or a small, dry brush to clear away all dust.
Remove any debris. Are the neighborhood kids fond of throwing snowballs during winter? You may need to check for debris such as pebbles, dirt, small twigs, or small bugs that may have accumulated along its hardware.
Wipe off moisture due to melting ice. Melting ice is the biggest problem that may cause damage to your windows. Moisture can rot wooden windows or cause metal windows to rust.
Wipe clean all window panes. Using your squeegee, clean the glass on all window panes. Spray a small amount of cleaning solution on the glass and simply wipe clean with the squeegee and then the microfibre cloth for crystal clear windows.
Lubricate the Hinges and Tracks
The hinges and tracks are one of the most important parts of your windows as they hold them together. As mentioned earlier, any moisture left inside the tracks or hinges may rust. To counter that, you must lubricate the hinges and tracks at least twice a year to keep them in proper condition. This prevents any damage that can make opening and shutting of your windows quite painful.
Reseal Window Edges
After a brutal winter, your window’s sealant and/or caulk may crack. When sufficient damage is done, your sealant may be rendered ineffective and may the showers of spring enter your home. To prevent that from happening, you may need to reseal the edges of your windows using high quality polymers such as caulk, silicone, or adhesive sealant tape.
Take Care of Your Screens
Pay attention to your screens as they keep you protected even when your windows are open. Using a small brush and some water with a little soap, brush the screens to remove any dust. If you see any damaged portions, replace the screen immediately as it might only let bugs in.
Professional Window Cleaning in Toronto
Spring cleaning can be quite a chore. When that involves having to clean so many windows, not too mention those too high to reach, then it becomes a problem. Take the hassle out of spring cleaning and have your windows professionally cleaned. Give us a call and learn how you can prepare your windows more effectively for spring.
